Queen is one of the most iconic and beloved rock bands in history, known for their genre-defying music, unforgettable performances, and the legendary voice of Freddie Mercury. But behind their epic albums and chart-topping hits lies a wealth of quirky and funny stories that reveal the lighter side of the band. From bizarre backstage antics to unexpected collaborations, Queen’s journey through the music world is filled with humorous moments that will make you appreciate them even more. Here are 22 funny facts about Queen that you need to know!
1. Freddie Mercury’s Famous Mustache Started as a Joke
Freddie Mercury’s iconic mustache, which became a defining part of his look, actually started as a joke. In the 1980s, Freddie decided to grow the mustache to make himself look more mature and masculine, but he was also trying to make a statement about the band’s image. He often joked that he was “hiding” behind it, a playful way of saying he didn’t want to be too recognizable. Eventually, the mustache became so synonymous with his persona that it was nearly as iconic as his vocal talent.
2. Brian May Once Played a Gig with a Broken Hand
Brian May, Queen’s guitarist, is known for his impeccable playing and complex guitar work, but did you know he once played an entire gig with a broken hand? During a performance, he accidentally hurt his hand, but he refused to cancel the show. Instead, he performed the entire set with a cast on his arm and one hand primarily. May was determined not to disappoint his fans and proved his dedication by rocking out despite the injury.
3. Queen’s Band Name Was Almost “Smile” Forever
Before Queen became the legendary name we know today, the band was originally called “Smile.” This name came from their first formation when Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor were in a group called Smile with bassist John Deacon. However, when they added Deacon to the lineup, they decided to go with the more ambitious and memorable name: Queen. The rest, as they say, is rock history.
4. Freddie Mercury Was an Excellent Cook
Despite his larger-than-life persona and extravagant stage presence, Freddie Mercury had a soft side. One of his lesser-known talents was his love for cooking. He often threw extravagant dinner parties for his bandmates and friends and was known to prepare lavish meals. Freddie enjoyed experimenting with different cuisines and was particularly fond of making homemade curries.
5. Roger Taylor Was a Huge fan of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’
Roger Taylor, Queen’s drummer, had a surprising love for the American TV show The Dukes of Hazzard. The show, which focused on the mischievous Duke brothers and their adventures, became one of Taylor’s guilty pleasures. He even confessed that he watched the show obsessively, which is a stark contrast to his usual cool and collected image. The influence of the show can even be seen in the humorous tone of some of Queen’s songs.
6. Queen’s First Big Hit Was Nearly a “B-Side”
Queen’s early song “Killer Queen” from their 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack was not initially expected to be a hit. In fact, it was almost relegated to the B-side of a single. However, the song turned out to be one of Queen’s defining tracks, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. This unexpected success surprised even the band, who never thought the song would have the impact it did.
7. Freddie Mercury Used to Host Wild House Parties
Freddie Mercury was known for his extravagant lifestyle, and his house parties were no exception. He loved hosting huge gatherings with friends, fellow musicians, and celebrities. His parties were legendary for their wild antics and celebrity guests, but one of the most amusing aspects was that Freddie insisted on creating a “madcap” atmosphere, often dressing up in costumes and encouraging everyone to do the same. One notable party saw Freddie dress up as a bellboy, which was a role he enjoyed playing to entertain his guests.
8. Brian May’s Dad Didn’t Think He Should Play Music Professionally
When Brian May first told his father he wanted to pursue music professionally, his father didn’t exactly support the idea. Brian’s dad, a conservative figure, encouraged his son to study more traditional subjects and get a stable job. However, Brian’s love for music was undeniable, and he eventually went on to become one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. It’s safe to say his father’s advice didn’t exactly pan out.
9. Freddie Mercury Was a Huge Cat Lover
Freddie Mercury had a special place in his heart for cats. He was an avid cat lover and had several pet cats over the years. In fact, many of his songs were inspired by his love for these furry companions. His beloved cats even received affectionate letters from Freddie himself. He dedicated a song to them called “Delilah,” which was featured on the album Innuendo. Freddie’s love for cats was so profound that they were almost like family members to him.
10. Queen Was Once Accusedof Plagiarizing “We Will Rock You”
One of Queen’s most anthemic songs, “We Will Rock You,” faced some controversy during its release. The song, with its famous stomp-stomp-clap beat, was accused of plagiarism by some critics, who claimed that it resembled an earlier track by the band The Chiffons called “He’s So Fine.” Queen, of course, laughed off the accusations, and the song went on to become one of the most recognizable rock anthems of all time.
11. Roger Taylor and John Deacon Are Massive “Star Wars” Fans
Both Roger Taylor and John Deacon were huge fans of Star Wars. In fact, they were such big fans that they once dressed up as characters from the iconic film series for Halloween. Roger Taylor even admitted that he was particularly fond of Darth Vader and used to joke about how he would have made a great Sith Lord. The band’s love for Star Wars often made its way into their private jokes and interactions.
12. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Was Considered Too Long for Radio
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” perhaps Queen’s most famous song, was initially considered too long to be played on the radio. At almost six minutes long, the track was deemed too lengthy for commercial radio play, where most songs were typically under four minutes. However, Queen pushed for the song to be aired, and after a bit of convincing, stations started playing it. It quickly became one of the band’s most beloved tracks, and its success is considered one of the greatest musical risks ever taken.
13. Freddie Mercury Once Used a Voice Imitation Trick to Annoy His Bandmates
Freddie Mercury had a great sense of humor, and he wasn’t afraid to use his vocal talents to entertain (or annoy) his bandmates. At one point, he would often imitate the voices of various famous people, from opera singers to famous personalities, just to mess with the band during rehearsals. His impeccable impersonations were hilarious, and they became a frequent part of the band’s downtime.
14. Queen Never Used a Traditional “Set List” for Their Concerts
Queen’s concerts were known for their spontaneity. Unlike many bands, Queen did not follow a strict set list during their shows. Freddie Mercury would often improvise with the audience, calling out to them and switching up the song order based on the crowd’s energy. This made each Queen concert unique and added an element of surprise to their live shows.
15. Brian May Built His Own Guitar
Brian May is known for his unique sound, which is partly due to the fact that he built his own guitar. He and his father, who was an engineer, crafted the “Red Special” guitar in the early 1970s. May’s custom-built guitar allowed him to create his signature tone, which became a defining element of Queen’s sound. It also made him one of the most innovative guitarists in rock history.
16. Freddie Mercury’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” Is a Nod to His Youth
“Fat Bottomed Girls” is one of Queen’s most famous rock tracks, and it actually has a personal meaning to Freddie Mercury. The song was inspired by his youthful experiences growing up in Zanzibar and India, where he encountered a diverse array of people and influences. Mercury’s playful lyrics were a reflection of his sense of humor and love for outrageousness, even in his music.
17. Queen Has Performed for a Royal Audience (and They Loved It)
Queen has performed for several royal audiences throughout their career, but one of the most memorable moments came in 2002 when they played for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The band’s performance at Buckingham Palace was a historic moment, and the royal family seemed to enjoy it. Queen Elizabeth was even spotted tapping her feet to the music, showing that the band’s universal appeal stretched all the way to the highest levels of royalty.
18. Freddie Mercury Was Obsessed with “The Wizard of Oz”
Freddie Mercury had a lifelong obsession with The Wizard of Oz, and he often incorporated its themes into his music and performances. He loved the magical world of Oz so much that he once dressed up as Dorothy for Halloween. The whimsical nature of the film and its colorful characters influenced his fashion and stage presence, especially during the flamboyant 1970s and 1980s.
19. Queen’s Members Often Took Turns at Lead Vocals
While Freddie Mercury is often regarded as the band’s main frontman, Queen’s members took turns at the lead vocals on many of their songs. Brian May sang lead on “39,” Roger Taylor took charge on “I’m in Love with My Car,” and John Deacon even contributed his own vocal stylings to tracks like “You’re My Best Friend.” This unique approach allowed for a variety of styles and voices, adding richness to the band’s discography.
20. Queen’s Iconic “Radio Ga Ga” Came from a TV Remote Mishap
“Radio Ga Ga,” one of Queen’s most famous songs, was inspired by a rather amusing incident. Roger Taylor, the drummer, was sitting in his living room watching television when his remote control started malfunctioning. As he clicked the buttons, the remote would make strange noises that reminded him of radio static. This quirky sound gave birth to the title of one of Queen’s most iconic songs.
Conclusion
Queen‘s humorous moments, quirky personalities, and unexpected antics only add to their legendary status in rock history. From Freddie’s playful nature to the band’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries, the fun side of Queen has been an integral part of their charm. These 22 facts show that while Queen may have been serious about their music, they certainly didn’t take themselves too seriously, making them even more endearing to fans all over the world. Their humor, creativity, and adventurous spirit continue to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike.
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